"Good luck to Tina Fey and Amy Poehler at the Golden Globes," Gervais said in a statement.

"After failing three years in a row to make E! Channel's Best Dressed list, I decided to hand over the reins."

He joked: "Let me know if you run out of Scientology gags."

Gervais was known for causing controversy at each of his hosting gigs at the event, including mocking Jodie Foster's sexual orientation, Charlie Sheen's alcoholism and Justin Bieber's paternity scandal.

After this year's show, Gervais wrote at the time: "Thank f**k that's over. I had a blast actually. It was by far my favourite of the three hosting stints."